Whether charges can stay inside wires or on the surface of a conductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of excess charge in an isolated capacitor connected to a circuit with ideal wires. It is established that the excess charge cannot remain within the wires but will instead distribute itself on the surfaces of the conductors. This distribution occurs to ensure that the electric field within the conductor remains zero, adhering to the principles of electrostatics. The concept of electric field equilibrium in ideal conductors is emphasized as a fundamental aspect of this phenomenon.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Familiarity with capacitor behavior in circuits
  • Knowledge of electric field concepts
  • Basic grasp of conductor properties in electrical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrostatics in conductors
  • Study the behavior of capacitors in various circuit configurations
  • Explore the concept of electric field distribution in conductors
  • Learn about ideal vs. non-ideal conductors and their implications
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Students and professionals in electrical engineering, physicists studying electrostatics, and anyone interested in the behavior of capacitors and conductors in electrical circuits.

feynman1
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There's an isolated capacitor initially carrying nonzero net charge. Then place the capacitor in a circuit connected with ideal wires (no resistance). Where will the excess charge go? Can they stay in wires or on any surfaces of conductors in the circuit? Electric field needs to be 0 everywhere in ideal wires.
 
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Excess charge distribute on surfaces so that electric field inside conductor is zero.
 

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